Sri Sultan HB X Criticized, Handling Poor Elderly Is Not Enough With Lifelong Social Assistance

YOGYAKARTA - Chairman of Commission A DPRD for the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Eko Suwanto, said that the handling of the poor elderly in this province is not enough just to be given lifelong social assistance as discussed by the Governor of Yogyakarta Special Region, Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

"Okay, social assistance every month, but that's not enough. We need a more comprehensive policy that basically makes our seniors happy both physically and mentally," said Eko Suwanto at the DIY DPRD building, Yogyakarta, reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, February 1.

The comprehensive policy that Eko meant was to complement the lifelong social assistance plan with other pro-elderly policies, starting from fulfilling health aspects, to social protection for the elderly.

Regarding the health aspect, he said, all poor elderly people in Yogyakarta, among others, are trying to get BPJS premiums which, if possible, can be paid by the Regional Government of DIY. "So when there are elderly people who are sick they don't have to think about costs," said Eko.

Meanwhile, the aspect of social protection, he continued, can be fulfilled, among other things, by providing green open spaces.

The DIY local government, said Eko, needs to work closely with the district/city regional government to immediately build green open spaces as a means of socialization for the elderly.

"Green open spaces can be used for morning exercise, you can also meet your family and neighbors, and greet each other because human needs are not only about eating, but also about happiness and peace," said Eko.

Because the aim is to eradicate poverty, according to Eko, social assistance for life should be accompanied by efforts to encourage the elderly to earn additional income.

"But this is just a discourse. This discourse must be followed up with working meetings so that it can soon be realized as a policy," he said.

According to Eko, the DIY regional apparatus organizations (OPD) must respond to Sultan HB X's discourse by immediately moving and coordinating with the district/city regional governments, even ministries.

"It is necessary to consult whether the beneficiaries of this assistance are included in the DTKS (social welfare integrated data) or not, whether all can be covered by the local government," he said.

Previously, the Governor of DIY Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X discussed lifelong social assistance for poor people aged 60 years and over as an effort to reduce poverty levels in his area.

Regarding the plan for lifelong social assistance, the Sultan claimed to have had a dialogue with the executives and leaders of the DIY DPRD.

"As for me, yes, I'm about 60 to 70 years old, he probably only has elementary school education, doesn't have any facilities, can't work, yes, he's been assisted until he dies (for life)," Sultan said.

According to the Sultan, for the initial stage, the program will be tested in Gunungkidul and Kulon Progo Regencies.